Minister of Tourism finally speaks on Puerto Azul Development

Manuel Heredia

The Puerto Azul development, the citadel of luxury in Belize…will it happen or not? Investors say it will, and they launched the project a couple weeks ago in Cannes. The conservation community has come out swinging asking for answers and transparency from the government following the appearance made by Minister of Investment Erwin Contreras and Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia at the glitzy event. The Prime Minister said on Thursday that the government did not pay for the trip and that for the project to get the green light, the Italian developers would have to meet five criteria. Today, Heredia told News Five that despite his appearance on Cannes TV, if any project damages Belize, it’s a no go.

Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism

“Whatever comes that will damage any part of that reef, I will be the first one to oppose.”

Reporter

“So then, I’m saying I just want to be clear, when the vote comes, where will you stand on it? Will you say bwai, I deh with it or will you look at the evidence soundly?”

Manuel Heredia

“When it comes, we will look at the evidence. If I see that it will be something that will be harmful, then what is my job? To make sure that if it will harm, I will oppose it. if it is in the good interest of the country and the Belizean people, then I will support it because let me put on the record, there is nothing in life that can’t be done. If you plan it well, you consult and you execute it right, things can be done. But I love the environment, I believe conservation; I believe in sustainable development. That is what I have to say.”